Shaker (Blackwings MC Book 5)

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Shaker (Blackwings MC Book 5) Page 4

by Teagan Brooks


  No, I was obsessed with her situation. Obviously, her stepfather had a reason behind trying to force her hand in marriage, and I had never known of a situation like that where the reason was anything other than corrupt. I wasn’t as good as Byte with computers, but I could do some decent digging. However, I couldn’t manage to dig up shit on her stepfather. I knew it wasn’t because he was squeaky clean. No, it was because it was well hidden. What I could find of his financials appeared to be in order. He wasn’t up for reelection in the near future. He wasn’t being accused of participating in any scandal of sorts. Still, I knew he was hiding something, and I was going to find it or die trying.

  I still had one major card up my sleeve, though I was holding onto it as long as I could. Once I played that card, there would be no going back. While it would likely get me most or all of the answers to my questions regarding Senator Hastings and his activities, it would expose a part of my life that I had managed to keep hidden from my brothers. I had a feeling Phoenix, and maybe Badger, knew from having me checked out when I became a prospect. They never asked anything, and I didn’t volunteer any information, because really, it wasn’t relative to the club nor would it impact the club in any way.

  I thought about asking Byte to help me do some digging, but I didn’t want to explain why I was asking. Hell, I didn’t even know the answer to that myself. I wasn’t one of those people who couldn’t let something go. I was okay not knowing the answer to a question. I could put a book down halfway through. I could walk away without placing the last piece of a puzzle. So, not only was her situation bugging me, but the fact that it was bugging me was bugging me.

  It had been two weeks since I knocked on Keegan’s door and found her beaten and bruised. I hadn’t seen her or heard anything about her in those two weeks. I didn’t even have the urge to ask about her, so why in the hell was I so obsessed with her problems?

  A shoulder softly bumping mine brought me back to the present. Harper dropped into a chair beside me and propped her face in her hands, “What’s wrong, friend?”

  A small smile appeared on my face at her calling me friend. Harper and I had developed a unique, and somewhat unexpected, friendship after being kidnapped and escaping together. We also tortured and killed one of our kidnappers together. She was one of a handful of females that I didn’t see as a hole. “Nothing. Just thinking. How’ve you been? Staying out of trouble?”

  She rolled her eyes, “I don’t have a choice. I have to stay out of trouble.” She paused and opened her mouth like she was going to say something and then seemed to decide against it. I frowned. She didn’t need to censor her words around me. Her eyes darted around, and she lowered her voice, “Have you talked to Keegan?”

  “No,” I answered, confused. “Why would I talk to Keegan? We aren’t friends.”

  She shrugged, “Oh, it seemed like you two were friends.”

  She moved to stand, but I stopped her. “What would you have said if I said yes?”

  She sighed and slumped back into her chair. “She’s attending a charity ball next weekend...because her stepfather said her presence was required. I know she said he wouldn’t do anything to her in public, but I’m worried about her. I tried to talk her out of it, but she said she has to go.”

  “Harper, listen to me. You can only help people who want to be helped. She knows the risk she is taking, and she’s still deciding to take it. The best thing you can do is be there for her when things go to shit. Because they will go to shit before it’s over with.”

  “That’s pretty much what Carbon said, too. Well, I better get back to cleaning if I want to get out of here before the debauchery begins,” she said, heading back to the bar with her bucket of cleaning supplies. She and two other Old Ladies had broken a few serious rules and were being punished. Part of their punishment was keeping the clubhouse clean. I did feel bad for them, but at least Phoenix didn’t kick them out of the club. He couldn’t have even if he had truly wanted to because one of the Old Ladies was none other than his own wife and Old Lady.

  I sat back and drained my beer, trying to decide what to do with the rest of my evening. I wasn’t interested in staying for the debauchery Harper referred to either. It wasn’t going to be anything special, just the usual crowd drinking and fucking the club whores and hang around skanks. It dawned on me that I hadn’t picked up a bitch in a few weeks. Maybe that’s what was wrong with me. I needed to get off. Well, that was an easy problem to fix. I stood and made my way to my bike.

  Three hours later, I was sitting in a bar in Cedar Valley nursing a beer and wondering why I was thinking about a damn charity ball instead of picking up a piece of ass as planned. I had even brushed several bitches off. Something was seriously wrong with me. My next move further supported my self-assessment.

  I pulled out my phone and dialed, “Hey, I need your help with something.”

  ***

  As expected, my request was quickly and easily filled with little fuss and minimal questions. I was glad for that because I wasn’t sure I would be able to provide answers had there been questions. Even as the car was pulling up, I still hadn’t decided if I was going to make myself known or wait and see if I was discovered. Either way, if I was spotted and identified by one particular guest, the card I was holding on to would be well and truly played.

  Moments before the door opened, I slid the mask over my face and smoothed a hand over my hair. The driver opened the door, and I stepped out into the very different world of society’s upper class. It had been years since I had attended any kind of social event, yet absolutely nothing had changed. The proud men parading trophy wives around the room, the bitter divorcees sneering while clutching martini glasses, the up and coming socialites trying to stand out above all the others, the young bachelors discussing business, and the old money watching as the first act of the live play they had created began.

  Knowing I would need it to withstand the next few hours, I went straight to the bar and got a drink. Downing it immediately, I ordered a second and started to move around the room without being noticed, a skill well-honed after years of practice only made easier by the masquerade theme. My face was hidden behind an intricately woven full-face mask, which was just long enough to conceal the sliver of tattoos that peeked out from the collar of my dress shirt. It also had a thin layer of mesh to obscure my eyes. As long as I remembered to keep my voice in low, hushed tones, I felt certain no one would recognize me.

  I quietly studied the room, hovering in the background, for over an excruciatingly long hour when I finally spotted Senator Hastings talking with a man and woman who appeared to be around his age and a younger woman, I assumed to be the couple’s daughter. I scanned the area around them and didn’t see anyone that resembled Keegan. Maybe she came to her senses and decided not to come.

  I maneuvered my way through the various clusters of snotwads until I was standing within earshot of the good senator. They were discussing a recent deal they had reached when the woman subtly nudged the man presumed to be her husband with her elbow. He cleared his throat and abruptly changed the subject to the senator’s horse farm.

  I didn’t have to wonder long why they changed topics so quickly. The senator and the couple parted to reveal what had to be the couple’s son approaching. He strutted up to them like a proud peacock, and I was overcome with the urge to snap his neck.

  “Where is Keegan?” the senator asked, failing to hide his displeasure.

  “She excused herself to the ladies’ room,” the prick said.

  I was moving before I knew what I was doing. No longer concerned about going unnoticed, I pushed straight through the crowd toward the restrooms. The noise significantly quieted when I exited the ballroom and died out completely when I rounded the corner, and there she was. Keegan.

  She was leaning against the wall at the end of the corridor gazing into the night sky through the floor to ceiling windows. She was a hauntingly beautiful sight. Her black gown bared her shoulders an
d molded to her body perfectly down to her feet where it flared just enough to allow her to walk. Her raven colored hair was swept to the side and secured with a jewel-encrusted clasp to frame her beautiful face partially hidden by a lacy black mask accented with crystals that matched her pale blue eyes. The deep red staining her lips and the lone tear sliding down her cheek completed the picture of a beautiful broken angel.

  She didn’t notice me approaching until I was within arm’s reach. She gasped when she finally saw me and turned to face me. Without a word, I cupped her cheek and wiped the tear away with my thumb. Letting my hand slide from her cheek, down her arm, I clasped her hand in mine. With a small tug, she followed as I led her into the ballroom and onto the dance floor.

  I placed my hand on her waist and stared into her eyes, waiting for her permission. She nodded once, and then we were moving. Eyes locked on mine, her body followed me as if we had been dancing together for years. The song ended far before I was ready to let her go, so I didn’t. I tightened my grip on her waist and waited. When the next song began, I cocked my head to the side. She graced me with a shy smile, and we were moving again.

  Four dances later, she was smiling brightly, still holding my gaze. Her cheeks had a slight flush to them, and her eyes had brightened. With only our hands touching, the woman had me captivated. For the briefest of moments, I forgot where I was, forgot about my past, forgot about everything except her.

  The sound of a throat clearing broke the spell. We paused mid-step, and I turned my head toward the sound. The young man I saw earlier with Senator Hastings gave me a pointed look. “May I cut in?” he asked, though it wasn’t a question. I didn’t want to let her go, especially not to him, but I wasn’t going to draw attention to myself. I gave him a sharp nod before stepping toward Keegan. I placed a soft kiss on her cheek and whispered, “It was a pleasure.” With that, I backed away, slowly disappearing into the crowd.

  In need of another drink, I headed to the bar only to be stopped when a dainty hand reached out and grasped my forearm. I turned quickly and came face to face, well her face to my chest, with my mother. “Don’t look so frightened, dear. I have no intentions of revealing your identity. I only wanted to say hello.”

  I covered her hand with mine and placed a kiss on her cheek, “Hey, Mom. You look beautiful this evening.”

  “Thank you. Who was the lovely lady I saw you dancing with?” she asked.

  “I didn’t get her name,” I hedged.

  “Jacob,” she started with sadness in her eyes.

  “Don’t. Not here. Besides, I already know what you’re going to say.” She was going to tell me that I needed to let go of the past and find a nice girl to move on with. That not all girls were like the cunt that shall not be named. I never told her about the second one that screwed me over, and there was no way she would ever know about the kidnapping.

  “Very well. My only wish is for you to be happy,” she said with a forced smile. “Go on, before someone sees us talking.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Love you,” I said and continued to the bar. I should have expected my mother to show up after I called and asked her to have me added to the guest list, particularly since she didn’t demand to know why I wanted to attend.

  I lingered at the bar for the remainder of the night. I didn’t want to go back into the ballroom, but I wasn’t ready to leave either. It had nothing to do with wanting to see Keegan again. I needed to get my shit together. What was I going to do, sit there until I saw her leave with her stepfather or another man? Disgusted with myself, I got up to use the restroom before calling for my car.

  I stepped into the stall to piss, since my pierced cock would have me standing out like a sore thumb if someone glanced, and these insecure fuckers were known to glance.

  “Why are you even bothering? You don’t have to put in any effort, son. It’s already a done deal,” a man said.

  “I figured she would be more cooperative if she liked me, as much as I would enjoy her fighting,” the son chuckled sinisterly.

  “Save that for later. For now, it needs to appear that the two of you are falling in love. Are you taking her home tonight?”

  “No. Senator Hastings thought that would be too forward and could lead to gossip. He’s escorting her home.”

  Oh, no, the fuck he was not. I burst out of the stall and shoved past them. I had to find her before she left with him. He would no doubt lay into her for dancing with me. I wouldn’t allow him to hurt her because of me.

  I rushed down the corridor and rounded the corner, coming to a sudden stop when I saw Keegan talking to none other than my mother. I didn’t know if I should hug her or strangle her as I had no doubt she intentionally sought out Keegan. Senator Hastings was standing with them, also speaking to my mother. Did she know them? It hadn’t crossed my mind, but it wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities.

  I slowly approached them, unsure of how I was going to get Keegan away from the senator and keep my identity from being revealed. My mother smiled brightly when she saw me approaching. “I know it is late, but it would please me to no end if you would join me for a nightcap. It has been such a long time since I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy such pleasant company. Senator Hastings, with your permission of course. I will ensure that she arrives home safely,” she nodded toward the men strategically positioned behind the senator. “I have my own security team as well.”

  The senator grimaced, but had to relent. My mother had backed him into a corner using nothing more than good manners and kind words. “I see no reason to deny a lady’s wishes. Please enjoy the rest of your evening. Keegan, I will see you in the morning for breakfast.”

  After giving Keegan a pointed look, the senator turned to leave, and I took the final steps to reach my mother and Keegan. My mother smiled again, “Please excuse me. I need to powder my nose before we take our leave. Jacob, will you escort Ms. Kensington to the car? I will be along momentarily.”

  Stunned by my mother’s behavior, I nodded once and extended my bent arm for Keegan. She looped her arm through mine and allowed me to lead her to my mother’s waiting limousine. Once inside, she sat facing me, “You’re Jacob Marks?” I nodded. “As in the never seen, never heard from son of Jacquelyn Kingsley Marks and the late Jacob Harvey Marks?” I nodded again. How did she know my family?

  She grinned and extended her hand, “It’s a pleasure to meet the exclusive, elusive Jacob Kingsley Marks. I’m Keegan Quincy Kensington.”

  I took her hand in mine, turned it slightly, and placed a kiss to the top of her hand, letting my lips linger a few beats longer than necessary. I was going to have to speak, and as soon as I did, she would recognize my voice. I raised my covered eyes to meet hers and opened my mouth to say something when she placed one finger over my lips and shook her head. “Don’t. I’m rather enjoying the mystery you’ve created around yourself. That’s not an easy feat, and I would like to savor it a bit longer.”

  Part of me wanted to laugh. I didn’t intentionally set out to shroud myself in mystery. Quite the opposite, actually. I never really cared for the high society lifestyle, so, when I left, I never came back. Then, I grew into my baby face, got a few piercings, got a lot of tattoos, lost the military haircut, and put on a good 30 pounds of muscle, and people just didn’t recognize me anymore.

  Even with my eyes locked on hers, I was lost in my thoughts, so I hadn’t noticed how she’d moved closer to me while speaking. Her mouth was less than an inch from mine. I could feel the soft puffs of air escaping from her parted red lips. She leaned even closer, watching me watch her. She ever so softly placed her lips against mine, in the barest of touches, and I flinched away from her.

  “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have…”

  It was an automatic reaction on my part. I had been dodging kisses for over five years. No one had gotten anywhere near as close as she had. And I wanted more. In a flash, I gripped the nape of her neck and pulled her to me, fusing my lips with hers. Whe
n she didn’t pull away, I pressed harder against her mouth and thrust my tongue inside.

  Her mouth was warm and wet, and after years of going without, I jumped back in with both feet, putting everything I had into that kiss. My control almost slipped when she moaned into my mouth. I was seconds away from hoisting her into my lap when I heard a soft tap on the window. We jerked back from each other like two teenagers getting caught by their parents. The door opened, and my mother slid into the seat across from us. She looked from me to Keegan and back. Smiling she said, “Oh, good, my plan worked. Now, wipe that lipstick off your mouth, son; it’s not your color.”

  Chapter Seven

  Keegan

  I blamed stress for my actions. Otherwise, I had no excuse for shamelessly kissing a man I knew nothing about other than his name. I hadn’t seen his face and had only heard his voice in a whisper. There was something familiar about him though. I felt at ease around him, and oddly enough, I felt safe, which was damn near unachievable in Lawrence’s vicinity.

  The evening had been no less than horrible. After suffering through dinner with Preston Hensley and his parents, as well as Lawrence and his ridiculously young date, I then had to pretend to enjoy their company at the charity ball. Nearing my breaking point, I excused myself to the ladies’ room for a few minutes of peace when the man in the intriguing mask approached me and wordlessly led me to the dance floor.

  I wanted to scream when Preston cut in. Instead, I focused on the tingling sensation the mystery man’s lips left behind when he lightly kissed my cheek. Or I tried to, but Preston’s relentless questions accompanied by his lack of dance skills stole what little happiness I had managed to find for myself. By the fifth time he asked me who I was dancing with, even though I had already told him I didn’t know, I waited for the song to end and left the dance floor.

 

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